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Relics Of A King — New Display At Carisbrooke Castle Museum

© The Ashburnham Heritage Trust

Carisbrooke Castle Museum is set to exhibit a private collection of rare and significant items associated with King Charles I for the first time.

The new exhibition, The Ashburnham Collection, includes objects that have been passed down through the family of John Ashburnham, a loyal and trusted courtier who became the treasurer and paymaster of the King’s army during the English Civil War.

The display includes an important collection of Civil War era letters and manuscripts.

There are letters written by Charles, some in cipher, while the most significant item is the detailed and contemporary record of the royal finances, from the cost of maintaining the King’s armies to minor personal disbursements including charitable gifts, providing a unique insight into the Royal court in time of war.


Cuff of Charles I linen shirt © The Ashburnham Heritage Trust

The collection also includes personal items of clothing once belonging to Charles, rare surviving examples of early Stuart court textiles, and a lock of hair taken from the King’s body when it was exhumed from his tomb in 1813.

These relics have been treasured for their association with the martyred king.

The Ashburnham Collection is now open at Carisbrooke Castle Museum. Normal opening times and admission charges apply.

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